Why Americans are eating a sunscreen ingredient in their frozen pizza

Titanium dioxide is generally added to foods to make them look more appealing. (Image: Scott Semler for The Wall Street Journal, styling by Allie Ayers)

The Wall Street Journal

Sun, 16 Jun 2024

By Andrea PetersenIf you have heard of titanium dioxide at all, you probably know it as an ingredient in sunscreen. But it is also used in lots of foods, from pizza and salsa to frosting and candy – and now, there is growing concern about the potential health risks of eating it.The ingredient helps block the sun’s rays when we slather it on our skin at the beach. Food makers use it to brighten up colours – think whiter mozzarella on your frozen pizza or more vibrant hues in your Skittles. Some research, mainly in animals,...

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